A fourth consecutive FA Cup final has been reached but Guardiola’s selection against Southampton suggests priorities lie elsewhere
It’s happening again. Another Manchester City treble will be a short price on the prediction markets, even if City were defeated in the last two FA Cup finals. The club’s dominance of English football asks existential questions of those attempting to compete. Yet again, this season written off by those foolish enough to underestimate them, City loom menacingly over the rest, threatening a level of success others can only reach for.
The key question remains without its answer. Is this Pep Guardiola’s last dance? The rumours, unsubstantiated as they are, have bubbled under all season, his weekly responses to enquiries opaque and diversionary. Anyone looking for clues at Wembley in his team selection would deduce the Premier League title, rather than repeating the domestic treble of 2018-19, was the priority for any big send-off. Such speculation is folly when the likelihood is that Guardiola himself may even not know his own mind.
Another step towards now habitual glory. Though when does success become a matter of relief in standards sustained rather than a rush of endorphins? A sparse spread of City fans, Wembley’s middle-tier’s empty, sun-bleached seats tipped up, suggested a national stadium fatigue. Definitely understandable; this was a 33rd visit since the 2011 FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United, victory there the launchpad for a decade and a half of dominance. “They will be here for the final, don’t worry about that,” said Guardiola of the absentees. Those shielding their eyes from the early evening sun were also keeping abreast of events at the Emirates that went against their hopes.
